Demographics of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Official name	Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Common name	Sri Lanka
Motto
Anthem
Flag
Coat of arms
Capital	Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Largest city	Colombo
Government
Legislature

Demographics of Sri Lanka

The demographics of Sri Lanka are characterized by a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. The island nation, located in South Asia, has a population of approximately 21.8 million people as of 2023. The demographic composition of Sri Lanka is a reflection of its rich history and cultural diversity.

Ethnic Groups

Sri Lanka is home to several ethnic groups, the largest of which are the Sinhalese, who make up about 74.9% of the population. The Sri Lankan Tamils are the largest minority group, comprising about 11.2% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include the Sri Lankan Moors, who account for 9.3%, and the Indian Tamils, who make up 4.1% of the population. Smaller communities include the Burghers, Malays, and Chetties.

Languages

Sri Lanka has two official languages: Sinhala and Tamil. Sinhala is the language of the majority Sinhalese population, while Tamil is predominantly spoken by the Tamil ethnic groups. English is widely used for official and commercial purposes and is considered a link language.

Religion

The religious landscape of Sri Lanka is as diverse as its ethnic composition. Buddhism is the predominant religion, practiced by about 70.2% of the population, primarily among the Sinhalese. Hinduism is the second largest religion, followed by 12.6% of the population, mainly among the Tamil community. Islam is practiced by 9.7% of the population, predominantly by the Moors. Christianity is followed by 7.4% of the population, with both Roman Catholics and Protestants present.

Population Distribution

The population of Sri Lanka is unevenly distributed across the island. The Western Province, which includes the capital city Colombo, is the most densely populated area. The Central and Southern Provinces also have significant populations, while the Northern and Eastern Provinces, which were affected by the Sri Lankan Civil War, have lower population densities.

Urbanization

Sri Lanka is experiencing a gradual increase in urbanization. As of 2023, approximately 18.3% of the population lives in urban areas. The largest urban center is Colombo, followed by other cities such as Kandy, Galle, and Jaffna.

Age Structure

The age structure of Sri Lanka's population is indicative of a developing nation. The median age is approximately 34.5 years. The population is divided into 24.8% aged 0-14 years, 66.2% aged 15-64 years, and 9% aged 65 years and over.

Life Expectancy

Sri Lanka has a relatively high life expectancy compared to other South Asian countries. As of 2023, the average life expectancy is about 77.1 years, with females living longer than males on average.

Education and Literacy

Sri Lanka boasts a high literacy rate, with approximately 92.3% of the population being literate. The country has a well-established education system, with free education provided from primary to tertiary levels.

Migration

Sri Lanka has a significant diaspora, with many Sri Lankans living abroad, particularly in countries such as India, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Internal migration is also common, with people moving from rural to urban areas in search of better employment opportunities.

See also

• History of Sri Lanka
• Economy of Sri Lanka
• Culture of Sri Lanka

External links

• Department of Census and Statistics - Sri Lanka